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Just three ingredients to make our sweet and savory crock pot grape jelly meatballs – minutes to prep for the perfect dinner or appetizer!
Meatballs with Grape Jelly
We’ve been long-time fans of meatballs and think they are the PERFECT appetizer for a large gathering.
Yes, we often make them for dinner at home too, but if you are looking for a simple yet delicious recipe to make for your next event, try our favorite crock pot grape jelly meatballs!
Grape jelly may not be the first ingredient you think pairing with meatballs, but let me tell you – it’s the perfect addition. What’s even more AMAZING, it only requires 3 ingredients – grape jelly, meatballs, and Heinz Chili Sauce. It also only takes a few minutes of prep time. You can’t beat that!
For more favorites, try our Crockpot Meatballs and Sweet and Sour Meatballs.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- Only 3 ingredients! It doesn’t get much easier than that!
- The slow cooker does all the work. Just dump and cook – there’s only 5 minutes of prep work!
- No stress. This easy appetizer is perfect for parties and holidays. It’s simple and leaves the oven open for other dishes.
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 3 hours 5 minutes
- 16 ounces Grape Jelly – or red currant, peach jelly, apple jelly, orange marmalade, or apricot preserves
- 12 ounces Chili Sauce – or ketchup or barbecue sauce
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs – Use any type of meatball, from Italian pork meatballs to turkey meatballs, we typically use beef. If using homemade meatballs, brown them in a skillet first.
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, optional
How Much to Make?
- When serving as an appetizer plan for each person to have 3-4.
- When serving as a main dish plan for each person to have about 8 meatballs.
How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs
- SAUCE. Add 16 ounces of grape jelly, 12 ounces of chili sauce, and 1 pinch of cayenne pepper to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 5 minutes making sure the mixture is well combined.
- To save time skip this step and add these directly on top of the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- COOK. Place 32 ounces of frozen meatballs in a slow cooker and top with the grape jelly mixture (for less mess use a crock pot liner). Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Stir every hour or so to make sure everything is cooked evenly.
Instant Pot Directions
- Add the frozen meatballs to the instant pot and pour the grape jelly, chili sauce, and ½ cup of water over the meatballs.
- Seal the lid on and set the “pressure cook” button for 5 minutes. It’ll take about 7-8 minutes for the pressure to build up enough then the timer will start its 5-minute countdown.
- When the timer is done, press cancel to turn off the pot and quickly release the pressure.
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Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Grape Jelly
- 12 ounces Chili Sauce
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Add grape jelly, chili sauce, and cayenne pepper to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 5 minutes making sure the mixture is well combined. To save time skip this step and add these directly on top of the meatballs in the slow cooker for a more speedy process.
- Place meatballs in a slow cooker and top with grape jelly mixture (for less mess use a crock pot liner).
- Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
In a small bowl, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons water and pour into the saucepan. Simmer and mix until the sauce thickens to your liking, then add to the crockpot.
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freezer for up to 4 months.
This is my go to meatball recipe! So simple and easy to make. Party favourite!
What about to cook on stove top, how long can it take for the Grape Jelly meatballs
Making these at the moment for New Years Eve tonight. Using for the first time(first time made kinda by accident home canned”chili”/chicken wing sauce )and home canned for the diabetic grape jelly. My son-in-law is diabetic and loves meatballs, so we will see if these ingredients past muster.(I usually do make meatballs with chili sauce and grape jelly).
#Luna. Making this anticipating deeeelicious results
Let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear!
Can I use grape spread instead of grape jelly ?
I have never tried using grape spread, so I’m not sure how it would turn out. You could certainly give it a try. The flavor and/or texture may obviously be a little different. If you do give it a try, you’ll have to let us know how it turns out!
This is a great meatball recipe. Handed down from my mom, and I’ve used it for years. We use a 12 oz jar of chili sauce,
10 oz grape jelly, 3 T lemon juice and a few shakes of Tabasco. I usually double this with a big bag of frozen meatballs.
It’s not Christmas in our house without them.
Sounds perfect!! Thank you for sharing that!
OMG Lee (from 12/28/20) – the addition of lemon juice and Tabasco took my sauce over the top! I had 3# frozen meatballs. Used 12 oz Heiz chili sauce, 6 oz spicy bbq sauce, 18 oz grape jelly, 4.5 T lemon juice, and ++ dashes of Tabasco sauce. Best EVER – THANK YOU my family is going to love it!! ❤️ TY K
I have been making these for 50+ years. It was popular back in the 1970s and still a big hit today. This is a keeper!
Glad it’s a keeper 🙂 Thank you for letting me know!
These by far are my favorite! They taste good but now they have a sentimental reason. My mom first made these after I asked her to give them a try. She passed away last month. I’m making them in Christmas Eve in her honor.
I am so sorry to hear that! That sounds like a new tradition to me 🙂
Great recipes and easy to make!
Thanks for saying that!
Been making these for years. Got this recipe from my mother in law back in the 70’s. Always a big hit at parties.
It sure is! Thanks for sharing!
These sweet and savory meatballs are delicious. This recipe has been around for literally decades and I’ve made it several times. I like to make the meatballs myself, but the frozen ones are quick and easy and can be a real timesaver.
Agreed! Happy you like this recipe 🙂 Thank you!